Travel planning vital as The Boss rocks Christchurch

Transport managers are urging people to plan ahead for travel around the city over the next two days as three major events get underway in Christchurch.

Music legend Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band are performing at AMI Stadium tonight, with 30,000 fans descending on the stadium from around 3pm today, while a private blessing at the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial will close Montreal Street from 6.45pm.

The following the day will see the official dedication of the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial  alongside a ODI cricket match at Hagley Oval. 

Christchurch Transport Operations Manager Ryan Cooney said his team would be working throughout the events to ensure traffic delays were kept to a minimum and advised all concert goers to check the Transport for Christchurch for travel advice.

"As with all major events, we put a team in place to oversee the traffic management in the city and this is no different. Heavy traffic is likely, and parking will be at a premium, so we are urging everyone to plan ahead to avoid frustration. We have a team dedicated to the Springsteen event and commemorations around the National Memorial unveiling, so we'll be doing our very best to ensure the smooth flow of traffic throughout the city.

"But with 30,000 people descending on AMI stadium tonight we do want to get the message out that travel planning is vital, and for people to look at different options for getting to the stadium. We would urge concert goers to arrive early to avoid getting held up en route." 

Red Bus are offering a shuttle service to and from AMI Stadium. All the information and bookings are online.  Gates open at 3.30pm and local act Marlon Williams and the Yarra Benders will be on stage at 5pm with Australian rock band Jet performing at 5.45pm before the main act begins at 7pm.

Visit Metro Info for more information and timetables. Vbase also has more information on other transport options.

Vbase General Manager Darren Burden said the concert would not only boost spirits, it would also add at least $10 million into the local economy.

“It will be a huge boost for the city’s hospitality industry, bringing thousands of extra visitors to Christchurch.”

Months of preparation will culminate with 600 Vbase staff members working at tonight's event, along with 110 contractors and an additional 220 security personnel.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are playing on the eve of the sixth anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake. They last performed for New Zealanders in Auckland in March 2014, where Springsteen dedicated a song to Christchurch.

While Tuesday will be busy for travel planners, Wednesday also sees the Canterbury Earthquakes National Memorial dedicated in a combined ceremony with the Civic Memorial Service marking the sixth anniversary of the February 22, 2011 earthquake.

Parking options will be extremely limited in the central city given it is a week day and the Blackcaps v South Africa one day international cricket match is being played at the Hagley Oval.

People planning to attend the memorial ceremony are advised to plan their journey using the Transport for Christchurch website, and consider walking, cycling or taking the bus. The Christchurch Bus Exchange is just a short 10 minute walk from the Memorial site.

Although the service starts at 12 noon, people should aim to be there by 11.45am. The service is expected to take around 90 minutes.

The National Dedication and Civic Memorial Service will be livestreamed on the Council website.